HARRISBURG – The Corbett administration has released funding for a long-planned flood control project in Port Allegany, Rep. Martin Causer (R-Turtlepoint) and Sen. Joe Scarnati (R-Brockway) announced Monday.

The $22 million initiative will help address both public safety and economic development in the region, the lawmakers said.

“I am very pleased to see this funding on its way to Port Allegany. This project will help protect area residents and businesses from potential flood damage and will also enable a local company to expand its operations, thereby keeping valuable jobs in our community,” Causer said.

Scarnati agreed. “This is a tremendous investment in the people of Port Allegany. We have been working on this funding for several years and I am pleased to see the project moving forward. I cannot thank the Governor enough for being supportive of this worthy effort.”

The funding will aide in construction of a levee along a section of the Allegheny River near the former Indian Echo Golf Course to prevent flooding in the area. The flood control project will enable Verallia, formerly Saint-Gobain Containers, to maintain and expand its operations in the area. It will also help protect Port Allegany’s sewer treatment plant from damage due to flooding.